Chapter 27

Elena touched the envelope but did not open it. Her eyes looked directly into the woman’s eyes beside her.

“I know what Madame means,” she said quietly. “You want me to stay away from Mr. Nathan, right?”

“I won’t repeat myself,” Mrs. Sonia hissed. “I know who you are. I know your family background, and how your past is filled with turmoil. I won’t let my son be destroyed by a woman like you.”

Elena smiled faintly. Still holding back. But her eyes began to heat up.

“Are you done?” she asked flatly.

“Not yet.” Madame Sonia brought her face closer, her voice sharper. “If you refuse... not only will I destroy your reputation, I could make life hell for your three children. You don’t want that, do you?”

For a moment, Elena held her breath. Her eyes stared blankly ahead.

Then, slowly, she picked up the envelope. She tore the center, then the edge, tearing again until the money inside scattered into small pieces of paper. Mrs. Sonia was stunned.